From 1 - 10 / 311
  • Initial lead isotope ratios from Archean volcanic-hosted massive sulfide (VHMS) and lode gold deposits and neodymium isotope model ages from igneous rocks from the geological provinces that host these deposits identify systematic spatial and temporal patterns, both within and between the provinces. The Abitibi-Wawa Subprovince of the Superior Province is characterized by highly juvenile lead and neodymium. Most other Archean provinces, however, are characterized by more evolved isotopes, although domains within them can be characterized by juvenile isotope ratios. Metal endowment (measured as the quantity of metal contained in geological resources per unit surface area) of VHMS and komatiite-associated nickel sulfide (KANS) deposits is related to the isotopic character, and therefore the tectonic history, of provinces that host these deposits. Provinces with extensive juvenile crust have significantly higher endowment of VHMS deposits, possibly as a consequence of higher heat flow and extension-related faults. Provinces with evolved crust have higher endowment of KANS deposits, possibly because such crust provided either a source of sulfur or a stable substrate for komatiite emplacement. In any case, initial radiogenic isotope ratios can be useful in predicting the endowment of Archean terranes for VHMS and KANS deposits. Limited data suggest similar relationships may hold in younger terranes.

  • This record contains the results of a geological framework study of the southern half of the Lord Howe Rise and adjacent areas, including the Tasman Basin and the New Caledonia Basin. The report particularly focuses on the geological evolution and the resource potential.

  • This publication is the sucessor to Oil and Gas Resources 2000 and continues as the definitive reference on exploration, development and production of Australia's petroleum resources. It covers exploration, reserves, undiscovered resources, development, production and supporting information and statistics. It includes a forecast of Australia's crude oil and condensate production from 2001 to 2015, and sustainability indicators for petroleum resources. Information on Australia's petroleum data availability is also included. A revised estimate of Australia's undiscovered resources is included. The Appendices describe wells drilled and seismic surveys carried out in 2001. There is also a chronological listing of offshore and onshore oil and gas discoveries to 2001, listings of all petroleum platforms and pipelines, and a map showing all Australian petroleum exploration and development titles, with a key of title holders and interests as at March 2001. OGRA 2001 provides the background for much of the advice on petroleum resources given to the Australian government and is a key source for petroleum exploration, production and service companies, petroleum engineers and geologists, energy analysts, stockbrokers and share investors.

  • At its 4th meeting in Brisbane on 21st and 22nd August, the Copper and Bauxite Committee arranged a conference with Mr. J. Kruttschnitt, Managing Director of the Mt. Isa Mines, at which officers of the Department of Mines of Queensland were present, to discuss ways and means of quickly exploiting the recently indicated copper ore body situated in the Hanging Wall of the Black Star Lode at Mt. Isa Mine. At the request of the Committee, and following discussion of the details between all parties, Mr. Kruttschnitt made a proposal, which is submitted herewith.

  • The Committee has given consideration to the desire of the Government to put into production any property that can materially add to Australia's copper output within two years. As pointed out in another submission of even date, it seems probable that 5,000 tons of new copper p.a. can be obtained from a recently discovered ore body in the Mt. Isa Mines, production commencing in January, 1942, if the necessary capital loan is made as recommended. In addition, it seems likely that a worth while production could be obtained from other mines in the Cloncurry district. The principle potential sources of increased supply are Hampden Consols, Mt. Oxide and Trekelano, but many other smaller properties can also be looked to, provided some central treatment facilities are available.

  • Presentation made to the Second US Geological Survey Conference on Reserve Growth. Discussed results of reserve growth study undertaken at Geoscience Australia.

  • Ajana is 66 miles north from Geraldton by rail and is the terminus of the branch railway which passes through Northampton mining district. Aspects of regional geology and mineral occurrence are discussed in these notes.

  • The paper discusses metallogenic endowment of cratons, terranes and districts

  • In 1999, Australia's economic demonstrated resources (EDR) of bauxite, diamond, gold, iron ore, manganese ore, magnesite, mineral sands (ilmenite, rutile, and zircon), nickel, phosphate rock and tantalum rose, while those of copper, coal (black and brown), lead, lithium, silver, uranium and zinc fell. The reductions in EDR were due mainly to ongoing high levels of production; commodity prices were a subsidiary factor. EDR of all other commodities remained effectively unchanged. EDR of bauxite and manganese ore increased by 16% and over 22% respectively, following reviews of resources information that became available during the year. Increases in EDR of both gem/near gem and industrial diamond resulted from delineation of additional resources in Western Australia. EDR of nickel and tantalum again reached record levels. Gold increased by 14%, surpassing the previous EDR high established in 1996. Australia continues to rank highly as one of the world's leading mineral resource nations. It has the world's largest EDR of lead, mineral sands, nickel, silver, tantalum, uranium and zinc. In addition, its EDR is in the top six worldwide for bauxite, black coal, brown coal, copper, cobalt, copper, gold, iron ore, lithium, manganese ore, rare earth oxides, gem/near gem diamond and vanadium.

  • In 2001, Australia's economic demonstrated resources (EDR) of bauxite, copper, gold, lead, magnesite, ilmenite, zircon, nickel, phosphate, PGM, tantalum, silver, vanadium and zinc increased, while those of black coal, diamonds, iron ore, lithium, manganese ore and uranium decreased. EDR of brown coal was maintained at levels similar to those reported in 2000. The reductions in EDR were due mainly to ongoing high levels of production; with low commodity prices a subsidiary factor. EDR of gold, nickel and mineral sands reached record levels. Gold EDR rose by 4% and was over 80% of total demonstrated resources, this increase in resources continuing the established long-term growth trend for gold. In recent years that trend has continued despite falling exploration expenditure reflecting an increasing trend to concentrate exploration efforts in brownfields regions in response to the sustained period of depressed gold price. Australia, continues to rank as one of the world's leading mineral resource nations. It has the world's largest EDR of lead, mineral sands, nickel, silver, tantalum, uranium and zinc. In addition, its EDR is in the top six worldwide for bauxite, black coal, brown coal, cobalt, copper, gold, iron ore, lithium, manganese ore, rare earth oxides and gem/near gem diamond. Mineral exploration expenditure rose by 1% to $683.3 million in 2000-01, which was the first increase in annual exploration spending since 1996-97. However spending for calendar year 2001, based on the sum of ABS four-quarter figures, was down by $12 million to $664.4 million. Production of many mineral commodities again reached record levels in 2000-01, and overall mine production is projected by ABARE to rise in the five years to 2006-07 with the exception of gold which they forecast will fall by 6%. ABARE have projected a very high growth of some 60% for mine production of nickel in this period. Increases are also forecast for mine production of coal (+17%), copper (4%), lead (3%), zinc (12%), bauxite (17%) and iron ore (19%).